It started as a whisper.
Small.
Quiet.
Almost harmless.
But in a place like this—
Nothing stayed small for long.
By the next day, the air already felt different.
Not loud different.
But… charged.
Like something was waiting to happen.
She noticed it immediately.
The side glances.
The quiet laughs.
The way people looked at each other and then quickly looked away.
What is going on again?
She dropped her bag and sat down.
Agadi was already there.
Of course.
"Morning," Agadi said.
"Morning."
Small pause.
Then—
Agadi leaned closer.
"Have you heard?"
She blinked.
Ah… it has started.
"Heard what?"
Agadi looked at her like she was joking.
"Don't tell me you don't know."
"I don't know."
Agadi gasped softly. "Ah-ah. You are missing out."
Favor slid into her seat.
"Onye kwu that thing," she said immediately.
"Tell her," Agadi said.
Favor didn't waste time.
"There's a crush in this class."
She stared at them.
"…Okay?"
"Not just crush," Agadi added. "Serious one."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Who?"
Agadi smiled.
That kind of smile that meant trouble.
"I won't tell you."
"Then why are you telling me?" she asked.
"To stress you," Agadi replied calmly.
Favor nodded. "Onye kwu that thing."
She rolled her eyes slightly.
These people…
"Just tell me," she said.
"No."
"Agadi—"
"No."
"Please—"
Agadi leaned back.
"Relax. You will find out."
She sighed.
I don't even know why I'm curious.
But she was.
Very curious.
Before she could push further, Jiggy dropped into his seat.
"What are we discussing?" he asked immediately.
"Nothing," Agadi said.
"Lies," Jiggy replied.
"Face your front," Favor said.
"Onye kwu that thing."
Jiggy looked between them.
Then leaned closer.
"Tell me."
Agadi smirked.
"Somebody likes somebody."
Jiggy's eyes widened instantly.
"Who?!"
"That's the problem," she said.
Jiggy sat up properly.
"This is serious."
She blinked.
Why is this serious to him?
"Everybody, be careful," Jiggy announced. "Love is in the air."
The class laughed.
Even she couldn't hold it.
This boy is not okay.
Mia walked in quietly.
As usual.
Neat.
Calm.
Unbothered.
But the moment she sat down—
Three different people looked at her.
Then looked away.
Agadi noticed.
"Hmm," she said softly.
She followed her gaze.
Wait… is it her?
Her mind immediately started running.
No… or yes?
Before she could think too much, Mr Charles entered.
"Good morning!"
"Good morning, sir!"
He looked around.
Paused.
Then narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Something is wrong."
The class laughed nervously.
"You people are too quiet," he said. "Which is suspicious."
Nobody spoke.
"Hope you are not planning something," he added.
"No, sir!" they replied quickly.
He shook his head.
"I'm watching all of you."
Agadi whispered, "Detective."
She almost laughed.
Class started.
But focus?
Gone.
Completely gone.
Every small movement meant something now.
If two people talked—
It was suspicious.
If someone smiled—
It was suspicious.
If someone looked at someone—
Very suspicious.
This is how madness starts.
She tried to concentrate on her book.
But her eyes kept moving.
Scanning.
Observing.
At some point, she caught Jiggy staring at Mia.
Then quickly looking away.
Her eyes widened slightly.
Ah…
She turned to Agadi.
Agadi was already looking at her.
Both of them froze.
Then slowly—
Agadi raised one eyebrow.
She shook her head quickly.
No… it can't be.
Agadi leaned closer.
"You saw it," she whispered.
"I don't know what I saw."
"You saw it."
"I did not see anything."
Favor leaned in.
"You people are seeing something without me?"
"Mind your business," Agadi said.
"Onye kwu that thing."
Mr Charles suddenly turned.
"You people again!"
Immediate silence.
"Face your books!"
They all bent down instantly.
But the damage was done.
The curiosity had entered.
Deep.
After some time, Mr Jaja entered.
"Good morning, my future legends!"
"Good morning, sir!"
He looked around.
Then smiled slowly.
"Ahhh… something sweet is in the air."
The class reacted immediately.
"Sirrrr!"
"What?" he asked innocently.
"I can feel it," he said. "Somebody likes somebody."
The class erupted.
"Sir, how do you know?" Mia asked, trying to stay calm.
Mr Jaja pointed to his head.
"Experience."
Agadi laughed. "Sir, you too like gist."
"I am part of the society," he replied.
Jiggy raised his hand. "Sir, help us find out."
Mr Jaja shook his head.
"No. Let it reveal itself."
"Omo," Jiggy whispered. "This one serious."
She leaned back slightly.
Watching everything.
The reactions.
The tension.
The excitement.
Then her eyes moved again.
And landed on—
Someone looking.
Not at Mia.
Not at Jiggy.
But—
In another direction.
She followed the gaze.
And paused.
Wait…
Her heart skipped slightly.
It's not who we think…
She blinked.
Looked again.
Yes.
Definitely.
So it's actually…
She leaned back slowly.
A small smile forming.
This is about to be interesting.